Patali Champika Ranawaka, MP for Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has announced that he will serve as an independent MP in Parliament beginning today.
As a result, the SJB Colombo District Parliamentarian announced his resignation from the SJB-led alliance.
Speaking in Parliament today, MP Ranawaka stated that he informed SJB leader MP Sajith Premadasa of his decision in writing three days ago.
The MP stated that both the ruling party and the opposition must act responsibly at the moment, and that he can provide more support by acting as an independent Parliamentarian.
MP Patali Champika Ranawaka has also denied media reports that he made this decision to accept a ministerial portfolio from the government.
“I vehemently refute such reports. There is no truth to such reports. I hold no intention of accepting any ministerial portfolio from this government,” he said.
The Parliamentarian stated that he anticipates a change in government, preferably an all-party interim government.
MP Ranawaka also pledged that he will never act in a way that betrays the nation or its people.
